Yes, it’s quite touristy but you’ll cover a lot of ground, hunt down not-so-toursisty spots and get some exercise in. A local guide will take you through the city’s street-art scene and green spaces, before you visit an artist’s home-turned-rubbish-dump and a fruit market (tasting included). Finish with a game of tejo.

Libreria Wilborada is an architecturally striking book shop in a classic 1940s four-story home. Inside you’ll find Café Cultor – a staple around the city – and plenty of couches to curl up on and read.

A once under-utilised garage was transformed into the multi-use space of dreams. Recently renovated and expanded, there’s a long list of activities that go on at this outdoor garage: plays, concerts, cultural fairs, ceramics workshops and yoga classes. Add to that a café, restaurant and boutique tattoo parlour – plus, the fact it’s pretty cheap.

This art space is nestled in what used to be a 2000 square metre derelict theatre. It was renovated in 2011 and now hosts some of the city’s best contemporary art exhibitions.

Named after Colombia’s Literature Nobel Prize winner, this cultural centre has over 100,000 books to peruse and buy. Grab coffee at the nearby Juan Valdéz café and read in the public courtyard.

Don’t give up an opportunity to blend nature and culture. Monserrate is a church atop a mountain – 3153 metres above sea level, to be exact. A hike, funicular, or cable-car ride will take you to the sanctuary, where you’ll catch a mesmerising view of Bogotá and its accompanying mountains. Careful if you decide to hike as there have been several violent muggings on the path.

Put on comfortable clothes and walking shoes and head to the limit of Calle 72. There you’ll find the entrance to a subterranean tunnel and the entrance to Quebrada La Vieja, a waterfall near the city. Open to the public 5–10AM, this one requires an early wake-up call.

This historic home and museum is the ultimate sanctuary for history-buffs and nature-lovers seeking refuge from the bustling streets of Bogotá. Originally built in 1800 and gifted to Simon Bolivar in 1820, this extravagant home retains many of its original pieces. Stroll the cobblestone paths that surround the museum to find tranquility in the property’s impressively quiet gardens.

Paloquemao is a foodie’s dream come true. With its seemingly never-ending corridors of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and flowers, this is the place to while away the hours. Whether it be sampling the country’s diversity of fruits, squeezing in with locals at one of many food stalls for some traditional fare, or simply marvelling at the hurried rush of delivery men with overflowing carts of produce, you can experience Colombian culture at its most authentic here. Arrive between 5-10am to catch the impressive daily flower market.

Even if you have little interest in graffiti, the captivating murals of the historic district provide a unique window into Bogotá’s history and culture. Tours are funded by donations, and proceeds are given back to local artists through community projects spread throughout the country. English tours are held daily at 10am and 2pm, and private tours in other languages are available. Meet in the Parque de los Periodistas, no reservations required.

Despite the success of vegetarian hotspot Hippie, its owner and chef Paula Silva closed the restaurant out of a desire to educate diners in a more meaningful way. Now she shares her knowledge of local ingredients and organic cooking through her clandestine dinners; a nine-course, vegan tasting experience offered in her own home. Dinners promote conscious cooking with ingredients sourced from local producers and the use of crystals to infuse a spiritual element into the meal. Ten seats are available on a monthly basis.

Set among the industrial garages of San Felipe, this contemporary art space displays local and international artists whose work explores the relationship between art and nature. The founder, Jose Roca, lends curation expertise from his former role as the curator of Latin American art at the Tate Modern in London. This gallery offers a unique way to connect with nature – one of Colombia’s greatest assets – in an urban setting.